Seth Lloyd, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is currently on paid leave for intentionally failing to report donations from Jeffrey Epstein, a now-deceased sex offender.
A fact-finding investigation commissioned by MIT brought to light that Lloyd received $60,000 from Epstein around 2005-2006 which he deposited into his personal bank account without notifying MIT.
Lloyd also received donations from Epstein in 2012 for $50,000 and 2017 for $125,000 and chose to let midlevel administrators process the donations without first discussing with senior administrators.
Furthermore, the investigation found Epstein had visited MIT’s campus nine times since 2013.
This has led MIT to review the donor policies they have in place as the monies from a controversial donor such as Epstein do not violate the policy as it stands.
Rafael Reif, President at MIT, has faced scrutiny over these donations and vowed to create guidelines on controversial donors and visitors on campus that pose a threat.